I have the 781i and love it. The 381i may not have the punch and snap because you are not using the correct power cord. Wadia CD players generally have excellent low end presentation, I experienced that on an older 861i.
If going with the 781i, make sure you get the version with additional ventilation on the top as heat had been a major problem of the original design. I have this new version, and even with the additional ventilation, it sounds better when it is not placed inside a cabinet.
If going with the 781i, make sure you get the version with additional ventilation on the top as heat had been a major problem of the original design. I have this new version, and even with the additional ventilation, it sounds better when it is not placed inside a cabinet.